Pompey will look to progress in a second cup competition in the space of a few days when they visit Walsall this evening.
Having seen off Fleetwood in the FA Cup at the weekend, they now continue their defence of the Leasing.com Trophy with a third round tie at the Bescot Stadium.
Kenny Jackett’s holders beat Northampton on home soil in the opening knockout round, while their opponents came from two goals down to defeat Chelsea’s youngsters.
The Saddlers have never won this competition – in any of its guises – but did reach the final back in 2015.
Darrell Clarke is currently in charge at the Bescot Stadium, having taken charge following the club’s relegation to League Two at the end of last season.
They had a tough start to the campaign, but have found more consistency in the past couple of months.
Walsall are currently sitting in 11th position, although are still eight points adrift of the play-off spots.
Pompey won 3-2 when the sides met in the midlands for a league contest last March, with goals from Brett Pitman, Omar Bogle and Viv Solomon-Otabor.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey could hand a debut to forward Reeco Hackett-Fairchild following his recent arrival from Bromley.
Lee Brown (Achilles), Ross McCrorie (hamstring) and Ryan Williams (groin) are all still absent for the Blues.
Brandon Haunstrup has returned to training following an operation on his meniscus, but tonight’s game comes too soon for the left-back.
Bryn Morris (groin) is still in the treatment room, while Jack Whatmough is not yet ready for selection following his knee problem.
Walsall boss Darrell Clarke has said that some of his squad are ‘running on empty’ following the hectic festive programme.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of assistant manager Joe Gallen or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below video.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 13 wins
Walsall: 7 wins
9 draws
At Walsall
Pompey: 5 wins
Walsall: 4 wins
5 draws
TICKET NEWS
Pompey fans can buy tickets at Walsall this evening. Click here for more details.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
Assistants: Paul Graham and Richard Morris
Fourth Official: James Bell
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK and Ireland can watch the action live, with commentary, replays and graphics. It is priced £10 for a match pass.
Domestic subscribers will, as usual, be able to listen to listen to live commentary from Ian Wilding and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 7pm.
Please note that domestic subscribers will still need to purchase a match pass in order to watch the game live.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can also watch the action, with commentary starting from around 10 minutes before kick-off.
Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device.
If you encounter any technical difficulties, please use the dedicated support channels, rather than contacting the club. You can email ifollow@efl.com or use the live chat tool in the bottom right corner of this website’s homepage.
We will have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, iFollow and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Pompey are the evens favourites with Sky Bet to progress after 90 minutes, while the hosts can be backed at 21/10.
Click here to read our full betting guide and visit www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club when you place a bet. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEASING.COM TROPHY
Games kick-off at 7.45pm unless stated
Tonight
Newport v MK Dons (7.30pm)
Fleetwood v Accrington
Salford v Port Vale
Tranmere v Leicester U21
Wednesday
Bristol Rovers v Stevenage
Scunthorpe v Manchester City U21
LAST MEETING